[Last modified: October, 30 2024 01:17 AM]
A Sketch at Starbucks
I arrived at a Starbucks near UCL’s main campus just before noon. Situated at a busy intersection, the café was bustling with activity both inside and out. Upon entering, I noticed a lively yet calm environment—patrons clustered in small groups, their voices low and subdued as if mindful of maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. In the first five minutes, I observed a few older individuals speaking softly about work-related matters, bringing a touch of formality to the morning’s scene.As time passed, tables began to clear out, and a new rhythm settled in as the remaining patrons were mostly young students. Most of them were female, typically in groups of two or three, chatting quietly about topics such as relationships, study plans, Halloween, and Christmas preparations. Despite it being a Friday afternoon, the pace of conversation was notably relaxed. There was a sense of unwinding in the air, as though everyone was taking a breath from the week’s activities.
This Starbucks scene reminded me of a similar spot by the hospital where I used to work. There, a midday coffee break presents a starkly different picture. The café is perpetually crowded, with almost every seat taken, and an intense hum of activity fills the room. Conversations blend into a loud buzz, as everyone appears preoccupied with their own tasks. I recall seeing weary family members of patients taking short breaks, stepping outside to make phone calls, or waiting in the corner with a distracted look. Others engage in loud business discussions, and quick meet-ups are a common sight. There is almost no one in this setting who can afford to simply relax or study, and medical staff frequently come and go, grabbing coffee to take back with them.
These two Starbucks locations, though architecturally similar, embody the distinct rhythms. Near UCL, there’s a slower, academically-inclined flow where students find moments to unwind. By the hospital, it’s a dynamic hub of brief reprieve amid the faster, sometimes stressful pace of clinical life. Each space reflects the contrasting lifestyles of its patrons, showing the essence of “midday coffee time” in ways that are as unique as the individuals themselves.